Regenerative Farm Network | northjerseyrcd

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The Regenerative Farm Network

A place to exchange knowledge and ideas.

North Jersey RC&D has created the Regenerative Farm Network (RFN-NJ) as a place for farmers to learn and exchange knowledge regarding regenerative and climate-smart farm practices. Through RFN-NJ, farmers can receive technical assistance, training opportunities, speaker-development and farmer-to-farmer networking.

Upcoming Events & Opportunities

Farmer Network Tours

Come to learn and network with fellow farmers! RFN-NJ Farmer Network Tours are for RFN-NJ farmers interested in or using regenerative farm practices. Each farmer network tour will focus on a regenerative farm topic. The host will delve into their topic and how they implement regenerative practices into their operation. All guests must register and be members of RFN-NJ. Haven't joined RFN-NJ yet? It's easy! Just fill out a form using the 'Join' button further down the page.

Upcoming 2023 Tours:

Oct. 4th - Wildflower Farm NJ (Pennington, NJ)

Learn More & Register Here

One-to-One Technical Assistance & Soil Testing

Apply now for One-to-One Technical Assistance and Soil Sampling Opportunities including:

Annual Farm Budget Preparation (Farmer responsible for less than 10% of costs)
Technical Assistance to Implement Conservation Practices (Free)
Nutrient Management Planning (Free)
Soil Testing (Free)

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and batch processed monthly.

Learn More & Apply Here

Soils Field Day

Thurs., Nov. 2nd, 2023; Stockton, NJ

Join the Regenerative Farm Newtork (RFN-NJ) with NRCS soil scientist, Fred Schoenagel, to visit a corn/soy field that has been in heavy cover cropping rotations and an old hay field that is being transitioned into an incubator farm. Fred will do a soils investigation in both fields. We've got a couple exciting demos at the fields! Then we'll enjoy a boxed lunch at the Prallsville Mill followed by a presentation with consultant Sarah Crooke. Sarah will discuss soil sampling and how to interpret soil lab results. Wrap up the day networking with fellow farmers, discuss regenerative practices, or just hang out!

Learn More & Register Here

RFN-NJ Annual Networking Event

Tues., Dec. 5th, 2023; Duke Farms at 1112 Dukes Pkwy W, Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844

Following our first successful Kick-Off Networking Event last December, we'll be hosting our next Annual Networking Event at Duke Farms. More details to come. Stay tuned!

Events

Haven't joined RFN yet? Click the 'Join' button below to fill out a short membership form.

JOIN

What Will Participants Gain?

North Jersey RC&D will work with partners to provide:

Participation in educational workshops, field days, and meetings.
- Topics may include mitigation strategies for dealing with increased severe weather; rotational grazing; available farm loans and financial assistance; etc. Members will have input on the content they would like delivered.

Informative farmer-led walks/farm visits.

1:1 Technical assistance.

An opportunity for development to become a regional conservation leader. This will include stipends for time spent for training and training opportunities through the Regional Leadership Training and Steering Commitee.

More Details

more about the
regenerative farm network

Who can join?

RFN-NJ is open to all farmers interested in learning about climate-smart conservation practices for their farms. Currently, content will be tailored towards small- to mid-sized producers in the northern New Jersey counties of Hunterdon, Morris, Mercer, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren. Historically underserved farmers will have priority for technical assistance and mentorship through the program.

What is a historically underserved farmer?

Historically underserved farmers and ranchers include beginner, limited resource, socially disadvantaged, and veteran farmers and ranchers. You can learn more clicking here.

What is the purpose of the Regenerative Farm Network?

There is a growing need to provide farmers with the technical expertise and tools to build climate resiliency. Farmers are facing more frequent, intense storms and unpredictable weather. The prices of inputs are sky-rocketing. Implementing regenerative, climate-smart and soil health practices can be a tool to help mitigate those pressures and build farm resilience. The RFN-NJ will assist farmers by providing a network of peers and technical experts to learn from and share knowledge around building farm resilience.

What will be the role of the Steering Committee and Regional Leadership Training (SC/RLT) participants?

It is important to foster leaders who can serve as a continued resource in New Jersey for farmer-to-farmer learning. A few RFN-NJ members will be selected to receive mentorship and training to support their education and development as part of the Regional Leadership Training Initiative. This will include supporting their attendance at training events and speaker/outreach opportunities. These same members will serve on the RFN-NJ Steering Committee and provide input and guidance on the direction of RFN-NJ.

How can I join?

Joining is simple. You can click the 'Join' button at the bottom of the webpage or contact sloscalzo@northjerseyrcd.org.

How is RFN funded?

This work is supported by the Conservation Outreach: Equity through Cooperative Agreements grant through USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

RFN-NJ
Steering Committee & Regional Leadership TraininG

It is important that farmers are directly involved in shaping RFN-NJ. Six members of RFN-NJ have been selected to be part of the Steering Committee to provide guidance and shape RFN-NJ.

To foster leaders who can serve as a continued resource for farmer-to-farmer learning, the Steering Committee members will also be part of the Regional Leadership Training Initiative. The Steering Committee will receive mentorship and training to support their education and development into Regional Leaders for regenerative agriculture as part of the Regional Leadership Training Initiative.